Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Pickups => Topic started by: elavd on August 21, 2008, 03:26:24 PM
-
Some months ago (http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=12656.0) I decided to change my Classic 57 pickups in my Gibson ES335.
Due to some financial problem that I faced, I decided to postpone the purchase of a new set.
I was ready to order the Stormy Mondays (after many forum member's suggestions), when I thought that Tim could give me also a good advice in pickup chosing. So I sent him an email, asking these:
"...I want to replace the Classic 57 pickups of my Gibson ES335, because:
1) they are not very well sonically balanced...When I set them so that they have equal output, the neck pickup sounds too bassy while the bridge pickup sounds too trebly...
2) The overall sound of the set has a very pronounced mid-range sound.
So I'd like a set of pickups that:
1) would be balanced as far as frequencies and output
2) would have a more clear/"transparent" and not so midrange sound. I play mainly clean with my guitar and sometimes with a little overdrive.
3) I would appreciate if it could have 4 wires, so that I could have the option od spliting the pickups.
So which set would you suggest me buying...?
I was expecting his answer, almost sure that he would also suggest me the SMs, BUT, he wrote me this:
"...The Mule humbucker set for a balanced vintage set of humbuckers with an excellent clean tone..."
"...they have a very balanced response, overall it's very flat due to the Alnico IV..."
My confusion became greater, when Fourth Feline, sent me a couple of PMs, explaining me why he finaly chose to replace the SMs on his 335 guitar, with the (P90s) "Missisipi Queens"!!!
So, here I am, even more confused, without having any idea, which set should I order...
1) The "forum most-suggested" Stormy Mondays? But...do they have clarity, and presence without being "harsh" sounding, or are they dull sounding (especially on the base strings?). How about note definition?
2) The Mules (Tim is the who makes them, so maybe he is right suggesting them to me)? But...as I wrote, I don't want pronounced midrange frequencies, and the Mules have "fat-mids"...
3) The Missisipi Queens? Well, I love the sound of Grant Green too (he played almost exclusively with P90s), but do the MQs have the "classic 335 sound", or have their own distinctive character???
:? :? :?
Please tell me your opinion on this...
-
I think P90s will be too fat sounding, so from what you say they won't suit you.
AII SMs are smooth and soft sounding. Not so much presence and clarity, more warm and smooth.
AIV Mules are quite fat and biting. Again, maybe not quite what you're looking for.
What about AIV SMs? They would sit somewhere between a Mule and Stormy Monday. Fourth Feline has a pair of these in his SG so you may want to ask him for his opinion on how they'd sound in your 335 :)
-
... or an AII Mule to make it less pokey in the mids and soften the attack.
-
What about AIV SMs?
Seconded. That's what I had in my 333. 8)
-
Do the A4 SM have clear, rounded but still not dull highs?
How do the bass strings sound?
-
Do the A4 SM have clear, rounded but still not dull highs?
How do the bass strings sound?
AIV Stormy highs are very clear, but not as rounded as the AII. Neither is dull . Even then, there are more rounded pickups than the S.M. on the top three strings. The bass end in AII S.M. is too rounded to my ears. ( See Tim's excellent guide to magnets ).
With a switch from AII to AIV in a Stormy Monday set, the the top end starts to get brighter and harder. I think of an Alnico IV S.M. as perhaps being closer to a Riff Raff than an AII Stormy in the upper registers, but a touch less biting.
In the bass strings AII are warm but chord notes and bass runs blend together too easily , more a warm mix of all the notes blending together - as opposed to a sequence of seperate picked notes.
With a magnet swap to AIV Stormys, the bass starts to get tighter, but at the loss of the 'trademark' Stormy Monday top end .
AIV Stormy's therefore sound great in a solid body mahoghany guitar ( my S.G. for example ) - where you might want a hybrid between AII Stormy and Riff Raffs. The AIV Stormys are a little 'stiff' sounding in the top registers of a 335 to my ears.
M.Q.s warm and round the top end, tighten the bass - and ( for me ) have demonstrated why the Warpig ( or as Twinfan once suggested to me ) the Black Dog might be surprising contenders. I used to associate weaker pickups with mellow - and higher output pickups with hard, but the M.Qs have begun to dispell ( if not reverse ) that perception.
PLEASE , do bear in mind that I like a slightly compressed tone though, - and therefore the AII Stormys or the enigmatic AIII 'Manahatans' would be better suited to someone who prefers an almost acoustic open / clean tone as a basis to work from .
The experiments I have tried prove that there is no one ideal B.K.P for Jazz, but a line of possibilities depending entirely on what basic building blocks you like. I think that we tend to forget , that whilst the Metal / Shred / Rock / Blues players on here divide into subsections of basic preference of bright / dark / tight / loose sounding pickups e.t.c then the relatively less explored area of Jazz also divides into two or three equally valid paths, along which a sequence of pickups reside.
-
Fourth Feline, in order to have some kind of "reference", how would you call the sound of this 335 (e.g. (acoustic/open soundind, harsh, rounded, compressed, warm, thin...bla bla bla)?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7geNM_4pZhA
-
One of my favorite ES335 sounds is the one heard on 1:37:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f64XZRRs0jA
-
Fourth Feline, in order to have some kind of "reference", how would you call the sound of this 335 (e.g. (acoustic/open soundind, harsh, rounded, compressed, warm, thin...bla bla bla)?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7geNM_4pZhA
Great !
Thanks for providing a reference point. That sound is the alnico II Stormy Monday sound.
You will notice a precise , firm but pleasant presentation on the top three strings, but you will also notice that when he hits the bass strings, they lack the authority / detail of the top three strings, almost like someone has reduced the volume on bass notes - and increased it on treble notes. If you like your root / bass notes to frame / take second place to the melody line then AII Stormy Mondays will do exactly this but with a nicer 'fruitier' tone.
I also observe that the intrinsic guitar tone is 'open' in my terms of reference - but the camera / microphone compresses the notes at their peak.
If this is your desire, it's AII Stormy's all the way . :)
-
One of my favorite ES335 sounds is the one heard on 1:37:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f64XZRRs0jA
Now THAT is my favourite tone, the one I only fully achieve with M.Qs. in my 335 copy. My reasoning behind it is as follows:
With M.Qs onboard the guitar ( and set close to the strings ) - the compression that Larry ( our hero ! ) gets by snapping the strings with his fingers - is achieved ( with M.Qs ) just by picking with a heavy pick and a moderate treble setting on the amp E.Q. ( I.E. Treble = 5 or 6 ).
This is what I mean by "carrying my sound with me onboard the guitar" - I want the guitar to sound like that by default, and only get more open or brighter with a turn of the amp's treble control , lowering the pickup considerably - or by switching to a medium weight pick.
With the the M.Q you have the ( pickup ) power to decide between open or compressed, without special picking technique. With the AII Stormys you will have to 'do a Larry' and snap away at those strings.
The decider for me is that your ( 2nd ) posted clip featuring Larry Carlton demonstarates clear and authoritive definition in the opening bass riff / pattern, a phenomena I get with M.Qs, not AII S.Ms.
Go back and look / listen again, and decide whether you like the rather 'shy' bass response of the "335 demo" player - or Larry's more articulate bass grind. If the 335 demo wins, buy the AII S.M. - and if the Larry Carlton tone in the upper registers at 1:38 AND the clear opening bass line, then buy the M.Q.
Hope that makes sense / helps in some way :D
( * Edited fpr spelling * ) oops !
-
Sorry guys but I CANNOT DECIDE which pickups to order...
The AII Stormy Mondays?
The AIV Stormy Mondays?
The Mules?
I've read almost ALL the threads referring to the 3 sets but I still can't choose...
My heart tells me to order the unpotted AII SMs, but some posts over the forum (and Tim's advice) make me think of either the Mule set, or the AIV SMS...
Confusion continues... :?
PS: One parameter that I didn't mention, is that I want to be able play some funky stuff with my 335, too...
-
Sorry guys but I CANNOT DECIDE which pickups to order...
The AII Stormy Mondays?
The AIV Stormy Mondays?
The Mules?
I've read almost ALL the threads referring to the 3 sets but I still can't choose...
My heart tells me to order the unpotted AII SMs, but some posts over the forum (and Tim's advice) make me think of either the Mule set, or the AIV SMS...
Confusion continues... :?
PS: One parameter that I didn't mention, is that I want to be able play some funky stuff with my 335, too...
Hi Ealvd, :)
Again, you give me a vital 'clue'.
The introduction of Funk tells me that you are needing ( tasteful ) attack AND a very level ( or slightly scooped ) E.Q.
Of the 3 pickups you mention it is the AIV Stormy Mondays that I feel are best.
They will have a tighter 'snap' than AII S.Ms - without undue harshness for Funk, but ( when I consider your variety of playing styles from your 'You Tube' playing ) - will still make you work for the Larry Carlton sounds. I am of course curious as to how our other B.K.P friends / owners respond to this post ; taste and tone being very subjective.
I wish you well in your continuing exploration . Let us not forget , you do have what ( for me ) is the 'Holy Grail' of guitars. May I also mention the value of checking that you have 500K pots and high quality capacitors fitted, whilst you undergo the considerable "labour of love" - that is swapping out pickups / electrics in a Semi - Acoustic. :D
-
I agree with the above. I had my AIV SM originally in a 335 style guitar and it was VERY much that tone that you provided. I think they will work magic in that guitar.
-
I have unpotted AII Stormy Mondays in my 335 and I love the sound. That said, I was after the Clapton Crossroads sound, not a clean jazzy sound. The AII Stormy's nail the rock tones, but to be honest I don't play jazz and have never listened to Larry Carlton much. If I was going for a jazz sound, I would probably pick up my GB10! AIV magnets in general seem to give a cleaner tighter tone than AII, but all my AII's are in semi-solid and my AIV's are in solid guitars so it is hard to say what the AIV SM or Mule would be like in a 335. My gut feeling is that if Tim is telling you to go for it, then I would follow his advice. He has never steered me wrong.
-
My gut feeling is that if Tim is telling you to go for it, then I would follow his advice. He has never steered me wrong.
You have a point here, but I've seen older posts where Tim has written that he prefers the AIIs over the AIVs.
For example:
"I have got a lovely supply of Alnico II now and use these by default for Stormy Monday and BKP90s..............AIV is still my fav mag but the AIIs work really well in the lower wind of the SMs and in thts instance, better than AIV IMHO.Having said that I'll do AIV on request."
http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6653.msg83765#msg83765
:?
-
he said that 18 months ago, I'm sure that supply ran out already, so I don't know if you can use that at this point.
-
Please take a look at these 2 videos of Greg Hilden:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acEWLeWVm0c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9Ujm4HEXGc
Which set's sound do you think is closer to these sounds? (Ok, I know that one of the clips is played with a Les Paul, but I think that you can get what I am after) :)
-
Greg's sound in those vids is closest to AII. But bare in mind that Tim suggested Mules for you, not to say that the AIV pickups are always better than those with AII. And vice versa goes for the statement you quoted on the bottom of page 1. You said you wanted a more equal frequency response and that's what an AIV magnet does to the Stormy Monday wind. If you want the trademark sweetness of AII that Gregory Hilden and Larry Carlton has, it's a natural consequence that the bass gets a little boomier than it would with AIV. In my experience, AIV powered pickups can sound plenty sweet.
-
Great clips! You have impeccable taste, I am a big Gregor Hilden fan as well. :D
I have been reading this post with intrigue. I understand your predicament, it's one I have had several times as well.
Here is what I think:
Those clips you provided can be done with relative simplicity with the SM's and Mules. Basically, you can't go wrong!
But, I know you want to get it perfect the first time. I have played the AII and AIV SM's and I think the AIV's do that sound better. They are VERY pristine. Crystal clear and definitely a bit tighter or "snappier" in the low end than the AII's. That is not to to say that the AII's are flabby or not as good, simply a bit "mellower" under such applications and not quite as defined as the AIV's. I felt from the beginning that there is something very special about the AIV magnets that Tim uses. The voicing is just different. They make you smile when you pluck those strings! :D
Referencing back to your first post, the AIV SM's most certainly have tons of clarity. As a matter of fact, you won't find ANY BKP's that lack clarity. They are very defined and focused and very balanced.
The Mules that Tim suggested have a bit more behind them and certainly a more pronounced low end than the SM's. My first BKP set was a set of AIV Mules. The cleans are excellent and are very "vintage." For me, the neck's low end was just a touch more than what I wanted. I swapped for an AIV SM and haven't regretted it.
It is true than noone knows BKP's better than Tim. But, the poor guy can only give you guidance based on an email that may or may not truly define the tone that you are searching for. Afterall, putting tone into words is not all that easy.
Case in point: Tim suggested AIV Mules for me and after going back to read the email I sent him, I realized that I could have done a better job of describing exactly what I was looking for.
Anyway, back on topic. My suggestion would be AIV SM's. I don't think you are going to regret it. If they aren't exactly what you are looking for, Tim will swap them out within 14 days.
If you are still undecided, why don't you send Tim those clips and see what he says?
-
Greg's sound in those vids is closest to AII. But bare in mind that Tim suggested Mules for you, not to say that the AIV pickups are always better than those with AII. And vice versa goes for the statement you quoted on the bottom of page 1. You said you wanted a more equal frequency response and that's what an AIV magnet does to the Stormy Monday wind. If you want the trademark sweetness of AII that Gregory Hilden and Larry Carlton has, it's a natural consequence that the bass gets a little boomier than it would with AIV. In my experience, AIV powered pickups can sound plenty sweet.
Everything in this post is spot-on correct. Greg's sound seems AII SM to me as well, but I think AIV's would add even more clarity and definition to that sound. They are just as sweet as the AII's, with a bit more focus.
-
Thank you for your replies!
I sent a PM to Tim, and asked him if he could tell me his opinion, based on the clips that I've posted.
Let's hope that he'll find some time to watch them and reply to the thread :)
-
AII or AIV...................AII powered humbuckers do produce what some players feel as a compressed tone..........dynamically it's not but they can feel that way. You can recreate this by going with a slightly more powerful magnet such as Alnico IV and also regain alittle more control in the bottom end.
It's a tough call..............I nearly always recommend Stormy Monday(AII) humbuckers for semi players who are after a clean and dynamic tone that compliments the semi acoustic nature of the guitar(rather than masking the tone of the guitar with a high output pickup). In this instance, as the guitar already has Alnico II pickups albeit with symmetrically wound coils, I think it would be beneficial to go with Alnico IV and the asymmetrical wind of the Stormy Monday humbuckers.(I originally suggested The Mule humbuckers based on Carlton, Ford etc style jazz blues tones but after speaking to the customer and getting a fuller understanding of the exisiting balance and tonal issues I'm confident that AIV SMs are the way to go)
-
Thank you Tim!!!
It was a coincidence that you where replying to my thread, when I called you!!!
I must admit that you are really great guy!!!
Thank you for all your patience, help, information and advice...
So I will trust your experience and order the Stormy Monday AIV set now ;)
-
Being the proud owner of AII SMs, and AIV Mules, I have to extrapolate a bit, but I think you'll be extremely happy with the AIV SMs :)
-
Being the proud owner of AII SMs, and AIV Mules, I have to extrapolate a bit, but I think you'll be extremely happy with the AIV SMs :)
I really hope so!!!
-
I forgot to thank Fourth Feline for the plenty of emails that he sent me, trying to help me choose the right pickups set for me!!!
:):):)
(http://www.xoospace.com/myspace/graphics/24188.gif)
-
That's cute! Glad you finally made your mind up, the range is so extensive that it can seem overwhelming to pick 'your' set, but you can't really go wrong. That said, I'm eying up an Epiphone Dot, so I'll be pouring over these threads soon enough trying to find the pickups right for me.
-
I forgot to thank Fourth Feline for the plenty of emails that he sent me, trying to help me choose the right pickups set for me!!!
:):):)
(http://www.xoospace.com/myspace/graphics/24188.gif)
It was my pleasure Elavd, enjoy your pickups ! ( I'm sure you will ) ... :D
-
I reckon you're going to love those pickups. Make sure to let us know how you get on with them! :D
-
As soon as I get them installed, I'll try to make a video demo, using the same amp that I used here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWqNwUu8rRU
-
It's great to hear those clips again Elavd, :) as well as your dexterity, it is a firm reminder that ( the right ) solid state amps can deliver great tone. I am sure the AIV Stormy's will bring a big smile to your face ! I feel that even the most 'open' sounding Gibson pickup cannot rival a B.K.P, Stormy Monday - and seeing your Funk playing again, reminds me that the AIV will be ideal for all your playing styles . I am really looking forward to hearing the new 'You Tube ' clips !
By the way, I noticed on the net that 'Tech 21' use a Celestion "Seventy80" in their extension cabs. I am curious as to whether you also have this speaker in your combo, as I have a 2 x 12 Laney cab loaded with these - and have not yet been able to listen to them / test them out yet. You sure get some nice tones from that amp of yours ! :D
-
I am sure the AIV Stormy's will bring a big smile to your face ! I feel that even the most 'open' sounding Gibson pickup cannot rival a B.K.P, Stormy Monday - and seeing your Funk playing again, reminds me that the AIV will be ideal for all your playing styles . I am really looking forward to hearing the new 'You Tube ' clips !
I PROMISE you that I will record some new clips with my Trademark amp and maybe with my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe too (as a comparison to a tube amp) ;)
I noticed on the net, that 'Tech 21' - use a Celestion "Seventy80" in their extension cabs. I am curious as to whether you also have this speaker in your combo, as I have a 2 x 12 Laney cab loaded with these - and have not yet been able to listen to them / test them out yet.
My amp does not have a Celestion speaker.
In the manual it's written:
Speaker:
Model #2110-T, Tech 21 Special Design 10”
50 Watts - 4 Ohms
-
Thanks for the confirmation on the speaker Elavd, I was curious after hearing your tone again. :)
-
Dedicated to the fans of Larry Carlton:
http://guitarplayertv.com/index.html?channel=mainChannel&videofile=335blues/335award3
;)
-
Dedicated to the fans of Larry Carlton:
http://guitarplayertv.com/index.html?channel=mainChannel&videofile=335blues/335award3
;)
Thanks for posting that Elavd, :)
I had seen it before on '335 TV' - but it did my heart good to see it again. For me it's not just the variety of killer tones he has created, but the humility and sheer soul that one hears in his more reflective playing. His ( fairly ) recent C.D " Sapphire Blue" - reminded me what a frighteningly good improviser he is, and the 80s album " Last Nite " - what a superb technical player, without ever losing touch with 'that' feeling. Even non guitar players I know have wept at the 1980s 'Last Nite' version of " Emotions Wound Us So".
We all need guitar heros that epitomise what we want to stand for as human beings - as well as players, and Larry does that for me .
Cheers ! :)
-
Very interesting thread fellas! I'll be getting a semi after my feline is at home with me and payed for so this has helped a lot for pickup choices. Thanks, it should be made sticky!
-
I've just received my Stormy Monday AIV set!!!
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f283/elavd/Bare%20Knuckle/01.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f283/elavd/Bare%20Knuckle/02.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f283/elavd/Bare%20Knuckle/03.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f283/elavd/Bare%20Knuckle/04.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f283/elavd/Bare%20Knuckle/05.jpg)
One of these days, I'll take my ES335 to a guitar store to have the pickups replaced!!!
(Although I have replaced many times the pickups on my strat & tele, I feel that the 335 pickup replacement won't be so easy...)
The only thing that makes me wonder is this:
I've ordered a 4-conductor set, but I see only ONE cable:
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f283/elavd/Bare%20Knuckle/07.jpg)
Am I blind? :?
-
You got a classic set with braided cable, not 4 conductor!
-
So they've sent me a wrong set?
-
Those are absolutely stunning! And yes, it appears that you have received the wrong set. :(
Me being the vintage freak that I am, I would leave it the way it is. :D
(Of course, you probably want what you ordered!)
-
Those look stunning! I don't think you have the "wrong set", they probably just put on the braided wires by mistake. Ask them about this, chances are you can get it fixed for free. But if you don't need any coil splitting, phase switching and what-have-ya you should be fine with the braided wires. Good luck. :)
-
Those are absolutely stunning! And yes, it appears that you have received the wrong set. :(
Me being the vintage freak that I am, I would leave it the way it is. :D
(Of course, you probably want what you ordered!)
I would strongly agree with Kellar !
With a truly CLASSIC guitar like yours, it only seems right that a 2 conductor set should go in. I was in fact very surprised that you had ordered 4 conductor. 2 conductor wiring is stronger , totally authentic to the instrument, better shielded - and after all, on a 335 I would never fit extra switches to split coils or put them out of phase e.t.c Also In a semi-acoustic, I found the stiffer ( 2 conductor ) wire is easier to lay neatly out of the way of the 'F' holes .
I did once try the 4 conductor wiring and 'out of phase' wiring on my Les Paul with Mules, but recently rewired it back to standard. It sounds much better as standard. You just don't mess with a classic like that... 8)
Yes, I am sure Tim would replace the pickups, but I truly feel it was an act of fate / God / Larry that you received the classic 2 conductor wiring instead.
As the photos show, even boxed - they are a thing of beauty just as they are !
Just fit them and enjoy, for the Alnico IV Stormy Monday is so very flexible as it is. No need for special wiring e.t.c. as they respond very well to picking dynamics and other nuances, without the need ( as one might with some high gain pickups ) to enforce a metamorphisis by wiring mods / electrical means ! :D
-
I truly feel it was an act of fate / God / Larry that you received the classic 2 conductor wiring instead.
OK OK STOP IIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!!
(http://images.inmagine.com/168nwm/deximage/exs23702/ph161459.jpg)
You convinced me by saying the magic word*... :lol:
I'll keep them!!! 8)
*Larry
-
:lol:
Nicely put Elavd :)
I just want you to experience the sheer joy ( sooner , rather than later ) - of your new pickups ! :)
-
:lol: :lol: :lol:
-
Well, today I got my ES335 back from a local guitar tech, with my new Bare Knuckle Stormy Mondays AIV on!!!
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f283/elavd/Bare%20Knuckle/DSC00971Small.jpg)
I haven't played with them more than 1-2 hours so I'll try to share with you my first impressions:
The first thing that I noticed was that the sound of my guitar became more open sounding (with less midrange) and with more acoustic character :)
The balance between the 2 pickups is now excellent in comparison to my previous (Classic 57 pickups). Now I can switch between the 3 positions and have an even sound as far as output and frequencies are concerned...
I loved this from the first chords that I tried on the guitar :)
I liked very much the detailed sound and the response of the 3 high strings. Crystal bright, without any harshness!
And now the "bad" news:
I didn't like very much the response of the lower 3 strings...They sound somehow rounded and they have not so much detail like the higher 3 strings do have.
Also they are less percussive compared to the sound I had with the Classic 57s...
Fourth Feline had mentioned earlier on this thread:
You will notice a precise , firm but pleasant presentation on the top three strings, but you will also notice that when he hits the bass strings, they lack the authority / detail of the top three strings, almost like someone has reduced the volume on bass notes - and increased it on treble notes.
and I think that this is the best description of the SM sound on the bass strings.
I don't know if this is in my mind, or if I'll have to experiment with the pole screws in order to get them right, but I didn't like much that...:(
Also, I am not yet sure if this is good or not, but the SM AIV sound pretty compressed.
When I tried them at first on my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, I had the feeling that I was playing with a compressor pedal on.
Maybe this characteristic will be helpful in a live situation, but I am not pretty sure if I like it or not...It sure felt strange when I first heard it...
That's enough for now :)
I'll try them more, and experiment with their heights in order to find their "sweet spot" and I will return with a more mature opinion about them ;)
-
elavd - the quote from FF was referring to AII SMs, not the AIV SMs that you have. I would try raising the bass side of the pickup a little for a better string balance.
My starting point for pickup heights is 2mm all round from the top of the pickup to the bottom of the string on the top and low Es, when string is fretted at the last fret. I then adjust from there :)
-
Hi Elavd :)
Excellent advice from 'Twinfan' , but if that still does not satisfy - I found the Mississipi Queens were perfect to my ears.
If your tech has left the leads at the original length, there is still time to swap. I am however biased, as for me the M.Qs are my favourite pickup in my 335 copy. For me, they just 'hit the spot' in a Semi-Acoustic. 8)
Don't feel bad about it though ; as it is often trial and error. I tried Gibson 490R / 498Ts, AII Stormys - and AIV Stormys, before discovering the Mississippi Queens where the nicest for me. At least meanwhile, you have heard how B.K.P. compare to stock pickups.
-
If your tech has left the leads at the original length, there is still time to swap.I am however biased, as for me the M.Qs are my favourite pickup in my 335 copy. For me, they just 'hit the spot' in a Semi-Acoustic. 8)
Don't feel bad about it though ; as it is often trial and error. I tried Gibson 490R / 498Ts, AII Stormys - and AIV Stormys, before discovering the Mississippi Queens where the nicest for me. At least meanwhile, you have heard how B.K.P. compare to stock pickups.
Actually, I am not sure if I do want to swap them with another set, basically because I am afraid that the next set maybe less good to my ears... :?
However, where can I hear good audio clips from the M.Qs?
-
I just got a Line 6 toneport GX, and a les paul with MQs. What kid of clips would you like?
-
I'd like to hear the clean sounds of the MQs (all 3 positions), without any effects, using a flat EQ.
I want to focus on how the bass strings sound and how they blend with the high ones.
I don't know if the Line 6 has a Fender amp simulation, but if it has I'd appreciate if you could use it...
Thank you very much in advance!!! :)
-
Sorry I cannot help with the recorded samples of the M.Qs Elavd. I just wish you lived in the U.K. so you could borrow my ( copy ) already loaded.
The main reason for this post is to remind the good people of The B.K.P forum, - that you are desirous of the Larry Carlton ( Sapphire Blues Band era ) 335 tones. The Mississipi Queens are so versatile , that they can do almost anything ; so please record something for Elavd with them in this mellower style. The controled power, fatness and clarity being ( on this occasion ) tamed to produce a soft 'purr' ... 8) .
For me it is the available power you don't use , that gives them the authority and yet sweetness, that you cannot get by pushing a weaker pickup harder, especially in the bass strings.
I hope this in some way helps. :)
-
I'd like to hear the clean sounds of the MQs (all 3 positions), without any effects, using a flat EQ.
I want to focus on how the bass strings sound and how they blend with the high ones.
I don't know if the Line 6 has a Fender amp simulation, but if it has I'd appreciate if you could use it...
Thank you very much in advance!!! :)
I'll do it tomorrow if that's ok, all 3 positions and i'll find a fender amp sim (there are a few, blackface, tweed and a bassman i think) that sounds as 'realistic' as possible to the live tone. They really are awesome, i do love my set and they have totally transformed my les paul.
-
Thank you guys...
The bad news is that tommorow is my 14th day of owning these pickups (although I have them installed only the last couple of days).
I am afraid that Tim, will not exchange them with another set, in case that I decide to replace them...:(
-
I don't want to make promises on behalf of someone else, but I think BKP are quite flexible on the return policy.
It might be worth phoning Tim to explain the situation and see what he says. :)
-
I agree man. Tim is top-notch when it comes to customer service and will likely do everything he can to ensure that you are happy with the end product and get exactly what you are looking for.
I also swapped out a set of Mules that weren't quite what I was looking for. After a conversation with Tim, we were able to narrow down what I wanted and I was extremely happy with the result. I suggest that you give him a call.
-
Sorry its a bit late, i'll try more when i have more time.
Tweed bassman patch, bridge pickup then both then neck. Open chords then 7ths.
-
Badgemark thank you very much for your clip!!!
I must admit that I've waited to hear some clean sounds from the MQs (without any dirt or "breakup"), because that's the way I can judge a pickup's sound ;)
However, thanks to your clip, I now have a reference to their sound ;) :)
-
The bridge position is a little break-uppy, the pickup is pretty high to the strings and is a bit beefier than it should be. If you want more unofficial clips let me know, I plan to get some good transparent tones out of this thing and record all my BKPs this weekend.
Glad it helped.
-
Today I got a new webcam and I've recorded some guitar noodling with my ES335 over a backing track...
The audio quality is AWFUL but I think that you can get an idea of the SM's sound ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0-nrNYdbp0
I promise that I'll record a new clip with better audio sound (and playing...;D)
ΥΓ: Sorry of all you ZZ-Top lovers out there... :-\
-
Beautiful - I'm going to get one on that demo!
-
Today I got a new webcam and I've recorded some guitar noodling with my ES335 over a backing track...
The audio quality is AWFUL but I think that you can get an idea of the SM's sound ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0-nrNYdbp0
I promise that I'll record a new clip with better audio sound (and playing...;D)
ΥΓ: Sorry of all you ZZ-Top lovers out there... :-\
A nice version of 'Blue Jean Blues' there Elavd ! :D
Lovely tone and playing. I noticed that the bass and treble strings sounded nicely balanced - I assume you have either got them set up differently now, or are digging into the bass strings a bit harder. Your demonstration of the AIV Stormys has made me look forward to playing my S.G. loaded with them ( when the house decorating is done ).
Nice one ... 8)
-
That was awesome man! Sounded fantastic, are you still debating over the new pickups?
I thought the tone was superb.
-
I noticed that the bass and treble strings sounded nicely balanced - I assume you have either got them set up differently now, or are digging into the bass strings a bit harder.
I did both ;)
I lower the bass side of the pickups and got the 3 pole screws under the bass strings a little higher.
I think that they sound more "spanky" now ;)
I now have recorded another take of Blue Jeans Blue, with better audio quality (using my Tech-21 Trademark 30 amp).
You can hear the neck pickup first, then both pickups and then the bridge ;)
The audio quality is better, my playing is worse... 8)
-
I started a new thread here:
http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=14218.0
;)
-
That's a great sounding ES-335!
VERY sweet, acoustic and mellow.